Jeffrey (Jeff) Mark Allen, 65, died on November 19, 2020 of Covid-19 at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born March 22, 1955 in Hutchinson, KS to Robert and June (Bentley) Allen.
In 1980, he married Cynthia (Chi-Chi) Coe in Wichita KS. They celebrated their 40th anniversary in April.
Jeff graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1973 as salutatorian. He was an Eagle Scout, a Boys Stater, and a longtime Boys State counselor. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and was chapter president of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity.
Jeff practiced pharmacy in KC for several years before returning home to Hutchinson to join the family business, Hutchinson Vending Company, which also operated Countryside Lanes and Riverside Lanes.
In 2010, Jeff returned to pharmacy practice after a 29-year hiatus. A pharmacist at Walmart, first in Pratt and then in Hutchinson, he was known for his compassion, sweet smile, and seemingly endless questions. As an essential worker during the pandemic, he was dedicated to serving his patients and working with his pharmacy family.
Jeff was community-minded and driven by a commitment to Hutchinson. He was past-President of the Hutchinson Rotary Club and the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, and was proud to be named a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a former board member of Interfaith Housing Services, and currently served on the Dillon Credit Union board of directors. Jeff was elected to four terms on the USD 308 Board of Education, serving as president several times. During his 16-year tenure, the BOE opened the Salthawk Activity Center, restructured the middle schools, and renovated Gowans Stadium.
In his youth, Jeff was a founding member of the “Inner-Psychic Chroma” (later known as “Bayberry Candle Company”) band, and later in life, was the namesake of “Jeff & The Jackals” karaoke group! Jeff loved watching KU basketball games (especially in Allen Fieldhouse), following the Chiefs and Royals, going to concerts, and traveling around the country with Chi-Chi. As much as he adored his children, Rachel and Daniel, the biggest joy of his life was being a grandpa.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Chi-Chi of Hutchinson; daughter, Rachel (Jeff) Stone of Olathe, KS; son, Danny (Christine) Allen of Denver, CO; grandchildren Charlotte and William Stone of Olathe; brother David (Jeanne) Allen of Wichita; sister Diane (Randy) Hudson of Sherman, TX; brother-in-law, Nathan (Judy) Coe of Woodinville, WA; sister-in-law, Gretchen Allen of Hutchinson, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Max Coe II.
Celebration of Jeff's Life will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 5, 2021, at Elliott Chapel. Guests are welcome to share their memories during the event. Please wear a mask, unless fully vaccinated.
A memorial has been established with the Hutchinson Community Foundation, or hutchcf.org or the KU Endowment Fund- School of Pharmacy, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
Please stay home when possible and wear a mask properly to slow the spread of Covid.